League: Modest Benji is his own biggest critic

Despite the accolades lauded on Benji Marshall after his debut on Friday night, the 20-year-old painted a different picture - one of a guy who struggled to mask his disappointment.

While most spectators witnessed a potential star in the making, one who could wear the troublesome No 6 Kiwis jersey for some time, one of the best things to emerge from the night was Marshall's damning analysis of his own performance.

He expected more from himself, he said. He drifted in and out of the game, he lamented. And he didn't communicate enough.

While many might have been happy to take praise, Marshall's self-appraisal seems to set him out from the rest.

Having spent the past four years in Australia, he's adopted something of an Aussie mentality - confidence bordering on arrogance, often crucial at the top level. "I was confident and expected to put in a better performance because I set high expectations for myself," he said. "But I was disappointed I couldn't do a bit more for the team. It's a learning curve.

"At times I lacked a bit of direction and communication. That was my main goal before the game - to direct the team and control the game. But there were times when I got a bit fatigued and pulled myself out of the game - and they were crucial times as well. "

Marshall's performance was punctuated by his customary side-step but also a number of clever grubber kicks that led to one try by Matt Utai and another that almost set Wairangi Koopu free.

The Kangaroos said Marshall's defence, and his dodgy shoulder, would be tested. On defensive set plays, however, he often switched with halfback Thomas Leuluai, a grittier tackler.

"It's nothing new for me to be targeted," said Marshall said before heading off to play for the Tigers against the Eels. "I'm used to that."

The Whakatane-born five-eighth is also going to have to get used to the attention as he's put on a similar pedestal to the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Karmichael Hunt.

"I've still got got a lot to learn," he said.

If he's got a lot to learn, it will be fun watching him attempt to dismantle Australian sides in the future.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY